Heroes: People, organizations that made real contributions for good in 2013

The year that is rapidly passing was filled with the noise and commotion that defines modern life, with various interest groups struggling to be heard and often distorting things of real value. It is instructive, then, to take the time to ponder on the people and organizations that made real contributions for good in the world in 2013.

The Deseret News emphasizes six areas of editorial priority in its coverage and editorials. Consequently, we have identified six heroes of 2013 who, in no particular order, best embodied those ideals.

Each area of emphasis is defined briefly in the slide before each corresponding hero.

Education

Associated Press

For children to prosper, they require an education that enhances reasoning, communication and problem-solving skills. Moreover, education has the power to lift and change people's circumstances, both economically and spiritually. We report on access, accountability and innovation that give families choices in their education decisions.

And the education hero for 2013 is ...

Malala Yousafzai

Associated Press

Courage doesn’t necessarily require physical strength or the maturity of years. When it comes to speaking out for the education of girls in defiance of the ruthless power of the Taliban, few people can match the boldness of 16-year-old Malala Yousafzai.

Late in 2012, Taliban gunmen entered her school bus and shot her in the head and neck in retaliation for her opinions. She recovered and has been even bolder and more powerful in her advocacy. Accolades have come from the West. Time magazine named her one of the world’s 100 most influential people. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. It can be easy to forget that this young woman from Pakistan still lives in grave danger for daring to speak out.

Values in the media

Lionsgate

Media and technology influence our perceptions of the world and its peoples. We help warn families about media that erode the fundamental character traits of compassion, courage and virtue. We also shine a light on media that uplifts, instructs and inspires.

And the values in the media hero for 2013 is ...

David Cameron

Associated Press

While much of the world seemed to be embracing harmful excesses in the name of freedom, British Prime Minister David Cameron dared to take a stand against pornography in 2013. Cameron's government didn’t outlaw adult porn on the Internet, but it did impose a new rule requiring Internet providers to remove all access to pornography unless customers specifically request to have it.

Some leaders in Canada are trying to formulate a similar rule, backed by coalitions that include feminists, academics and religious leaders.

The rule not only recognizes that pornography harms society by destroying family relationships and objectifying people, it helps to pull pornography out of the shadows. Husbands, for instance, now have to explain to their wives why they want to opt in. We wish the United States would consider similar requirements.

Care for the poor

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Intergenerational poverty is one of the vexing issues of our time. It is easy to overlook the impact of our collective actions and policies on the poor and needy. We bring concerns of needy families out of the shadows and report on proven solutions. We seek ways to relieve suffering and empower people to meet their own needs, help others and improve their lives.

And the care for the poor hero for 2013 is ...

Philippines relief efforts

Deseret News

Typhoons rarely come as large as Haiyan, which devastated much of the Philippines in November. The aftermath included huge humanitarian needs for a nation where poverty already was no stranger. But the rest of the world stepped up with large donations and aid. Not to be forgotten was a group of returned LDS missionaries who served in the Philippines and who organized events to help the victims. Miles Bell, owner of Dave's Auto Center in Layton and Centerville, stayed open on a day off just to collect donations. In Midvale, the Hawaiian Cultural Center held an event featuring Filipino food, with proceeds going toward relief efforts. Bell said he felt the Filipino people served him while he was a missionary, and he wanted to give back.

Faith in the community

Associated Press

Active faith cultivates the habits of self-governance required for a successful democracy, for a strong civil society and overall human flourishing. We report on how faith is lived by Americans from different walks of life, religions and political leanings, and we also focus on religious liberty.

And the faith in the community hero for 2013 is ...

The Beckett Fund

Associated Press

The Beckett Fund is a clear voice for religious freedom in the world, regardless of denomination, something desperately needed as religious violence spreads abroad and subtle government intrusions persist at home. Its founder, Kevin J. “Seamus” Hasson, president, William P. Mumma, and executive director, Kristina Arriaga de Bucholz, are heroes. In 2013 they stood squarely behind the owners of Hobby Lobby in their fight against provisions of the Affordable Care Act that would rob small business owners of their religious freedoms when it comes to providing health care.

The support is not a small thing. The Becket Fund wins cases. The most notable of these was Hosanna Tabor vs. EEOC, a 2012 case in which the government tried to interfere with a religious organization's right to hire and fire its own ministers. The Beckett Fund helped secure a unanimous Supreme Court decision against the government.

Financial responsibility

www.taxfix.co.uk.jpg

Spending beyond our means is a moral issue. There is a need for increased personal, corporate and government financial accountability. We report on employment and workplace issues, practical family finance information, tips on being a savvy consumer, and ways to decrease debt and increase savings.

And the financial responsibility hero for 2013 is ...

George Osborne

Associated Press

Americans may feel proud that Congress finally passed a tepid budget, but Britain’s government is doing exactly what seems so difficult in the U.S. George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, deserves a lot of the credit. He won’t let up on austerity. He’s cut programs, cut personal and corporate incomes taxes, raised sales taxes and created a business-friendly environment. The moves haven’t always been popular, but the results have helped Britain rebound from difficult times.

The family

Family photo

Stable families have proven to be the most effective method for nurturing children, teaching responsibility and morality, refining adults and stabilizing society. We report on how changes in government, law and society affect the family in general and your family in particular.

And the family hero for 2013 is ...

The National Marriage Project

Deseret News

The National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia has provided clear, data-driven information that bolsters the institution of marriage and identifies where its many needs lie in modern society. Led by W. Bradford Wilcox, the project has, for example, shed light on the rising average age of marriage, the difference between poor and wealthy couples and their disposition to marry, and a host of related issues. Its consistent good work is laying the groundwork for public policies that will strengthen these natural ties, and society, as well.